Math In Action 2019: Connecting the Dots Between Sustainable Innovation and Mathematics

Once again, the Society of Applied Mathematics of UPLB (SAM-UP), the premier organization of Applied Mathematics students in UPLB, has promoted relevance of Applied Mathematics to the Philippine society with the successful execution of Math in Action (MIA) 2019.

MIA 2019 is the sixth installment of the two-day national Mathematics camp open for junior and senior high school students from public and private schools across the country. With the theme “Connecting the Dots Between Sustainable Innovation and Mathematics”, this year’s camp focused on how Mathematics plays a role on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. MIA 2019 was held on February 9-10, 2019 at the Royal Palm Leisure Park, Brgy. Puypuy, Bay, Laguna.

DAY 1

Around 500 high school students and faculty from 20 participating schools coming from different parts of the country have arrived early at Royal Palm Leisure Park, MIA 2019's venue, to formally register for the camp. Shortly after the registration period, the opening ceremonies started with the UPLB Choral Ensemble's beautiful rendition of "Ama Namin" and "Lupang Hinirang" for the doxology and singing of the Philippine national anthem, respectively. Then, Christian Daniell Leal (of Batch Hic Manebimus Optime), the organization's senior executive, delivered the opening remarks to welcome the participants and officially commence MIA 2019. Last but not the least, Prof. Jomar Rabajante (of Batch Quod Erat Demonstrandum), the organization's senior adviser, inspired everyone with his message regarding the appreciation of mathematics and how the youth of today can make an impact to tomorrow's nation.

The participating teams were gathered at the covered court to present their investigatory projects. The students were required to come up with their most original idea, create a Mathematical project out of it such as games, puzzles and devices, and present it in front of a panel of judges composed of Prof. Jomar Rabajante (of Batch Quod Erat Demonstrandum), Sir Edd Francis Felix (of Batch Unus Fatum), and Ms. Kyrell Verano. After hours of evaluation, the panel of judges announced the five teams that made it to Round 2 of presentation of investigatory projects, which are Mabini Colleges (Team B), Mabini Colleges (Team C), Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School (Team B), Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School (Team C), and The Seed Montessori School. In Round 2, the qualifying teams must present their investigatory projects within a short amount of time on the stage. After their presentation, they must answer the questions coming from the audience and judges.

At around noon, the participants were immersed in different topics through the lecture series. The organization invited exemplary speakers to talk about their chosen career and how mathematics is being applied to their respective fields of specialization. Occuring on the same time as the parallel workshops is the seminar, which was dedicated to the faculty members of the participating schools.

To cap off Day 1, the participants were assembled for the socialization night. The organization invited the UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company and Wyre Underground of UPLB to perform for the energetic crowd. The organization also invited Mr. William Don Criste, the grand champion of the Star in Carillon XVI, to serenade the audience with his sweet and lovely voice. After their jaw-dropping performances, the participants were grouped and the teams were determined. Each team were assigned with an organizer who will facilitate them for Day 2's activities. The participants were given a chance to get to know each other around the campfire while roasting marshmallows.

DAY 2

Day 2 started out early for the main highlight of MIA 2019, the Mathmazing Race. But before the teams went head-to-head to compete for the race, they performed their team chants in front of everyone.

In the Mathmazing Race, a total of 25 stations were scattered all over the venue, and the teams were given an ample amount of time to accomplish the tasks from these stations. The Top 5 teams that gained the most points and finished the race in the shortest time will advance to Math Rumble, which is an extension of the Mathmazing Race.

In the Math Rumble, the qualifying teams were pegged against the non-qualifying teams and competed on a series of activities based on the application of mathematics, on a different and a whole new exciting level. The team that got the highest score will be declared the winner of the whole race.

After the participants have rested, the closing ceremonies has started and the winners of the activities were announced.

INVESTIGATORY PROJECT 1st: Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School (Team B) 2nd: Mabini Colleges, Inc. (Team B) 3rd: Mabini Colleges, Inc. (Team C)

MATH RUMBLE Champion: STeam

Finally, Alyssa Alava (of Batch La Force du Nombre), the event co-head, delivered the closing remarks, gave thanks to the participating schools, and concluded MIA 2019.

The students and teachers of participating schools as well as the organizers of the camp quickly took to Twitter to express their thoughts and share their #MIA2019 experience and memories. Check out the best reactions to MIA 2019 below.

The said event was attended by 20 participating schools, namely, Batangas Eastern Colleges, Cavite National Science High School, Father Saturnino Urios University, Immaculate Conception School of Baliuag, Integrated School of Science, Laiya National High School, Mabini Colleges, Inc., Makati High School, Makati Hope Christian School, Malinao National High School, Marcial O. Rañola Memorial School, My Messiah School of Cavite, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary, Paiisa National High School, Parañaque National High School, San Jose National High School, Santa Maria Academy, St. Anthony's College, The Seed Montessori School, and University of Perpetual Help DALTA Las Piñas Campus.

The two-day math camp has once again engaged high school students in various fun-filled Mathematics-related activities in order to broaden their understanding and appreciation of Mathematics and its application to the real world. MATH IN ACTION 2019 would not be possible without the following media partners and sponsors:

OFFICIAL PARTNERS: SGV & Co. PAGCOR Sun Life Financial Philippines Nature's Spring Water Trampoline Park - Zero Gravity Zone UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company